At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial and operational management in a dynamic creative agency.
- Company: Fast-paced creative agency based in Central London.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with senior leadership in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in finance and operations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
VisionFR is working on an exciting opportunity for an experienced Qualified Senior Finance & Operations Manager to lead the financial and operational management of a fast‑paced creative agency based in Central London. This role combines hands‑on financial leadership with operational oversight, commercial support, and strategic business partnering across the agency. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, shared services team based in the US, and external partners to include auditors, insurance brokers, bank and legal counsel to ensure the smooth running of finance and operational functions while supporting business growth and efficiency of this 20 person creative agency.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee revenue forecasting and financial performance reporting
- Manage project costing, reconciliations, and profitability analysis
- Review pricing structures and bill rates
- Prepare and present management accounts and financial reports to Senior Leadership Teams and C‑Suite stakeholders
- Manage all day‑to‑day bookkeeping activities, including accruals, journals, and reconciliations
- Manage shared services who provide support on cost rate calculations, Central Treasury, Accounts Receivable, Credit cards, Accounts payable, Bank postings & reconciliations, Payroll journals
- Monitor working capital and cash flow management
- Lead, mentor, and support reports
- Lead payroll and remuneration oversight processes
- Support salary benchmarking and remuneration reviews
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and target‑setting processes
- Coordinate annual R&D Tax Credit submissions
- Ensure compliance with HMRC and Companies House requirements
- Liaise with external accountants, legal advisors, and insurance providers on statutory and commercial matters
- Negotiate supplier agreements and commercial terms
- Manage and oversee the Certinia migration project (centralised CRM)
- Support operational improvements relating to systems, processes, and procedures
- Oversee property and lease‑related matters where required
- Support business continuity and integration initiatives
- Provide operational oversight across studio and business operations functions
Skills, Experience & Requirements
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Minimum of five years’ post-qualified experience (PQE)
- Previous experience within a creative agency environment
- Strong understanding of both finance and operational management
- Experience producing management accounts and financial reporting
- Proven budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management experience
- Knowledge of HMRC and Companies House compliance requirements
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
- Experience managing supplier relationships and commercial agreements
- Ability to work closely with senior stakeholders and leadership teams
- Excellent organisational and project management skills
- Strong attention to detail with a proactive and hands‑on approach
- Experience managing finance systems migrations or transformation projects desirable
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
- Ideally able to start in June
VisionFR is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, inclusion and eliminating unlawful discrimination within our workforce and whilst fulfilling our Clients recruitment needs.
Senior Finance & Operations Manager employer: VisionFR Limited
VisionFR is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to thrive in a fast-paced creative agency environment in Central London. With a strong emphasis on professional development, team collaboration, and strategic business growth, employees benefit from hands-on leadership opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to engage with senior stakeholders while enjoying a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance & Operations Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. Show them your passion for finance and operations, and don’t forget to highlight your experience in creative agencies. We want to see that spark!
✨Follow Up
After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can set you apart from other candidates and keep you fresh in their minds.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us can sometimes give you an edge, as we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance & Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Finance & Operations Manager. Highlight your experience in financial leadership and operational management, especially within a creative agency. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in finance and operations that demonstrate your ability to lead and support business growth.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; show us how you’ve used them! Whether it's managing project costing or leading payroll processes, give us the details. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at VisionFR Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance & Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the creative agency sector, such as revenue forecasting and profitability analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and cash flow in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading and mentoring a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've supported and developed your reports in the past. Highlight any experience you have in managing cross-functional teams or projects, especially in a fast-paced environment like a creative agency.
✨Understand the Creative Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and opportunities within the creative agency sector. Be ready to discuss how your previous experience aligns with the specific needs of a creative agency, including your understanding of project costing and pricing structures.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll be working closely with senior leadership and external partners, so practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think about how you can effectively communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders, and prepare questions that show your interest in their strategic goals.
